When someone calls you a barber? Does it mean a hairdresser or something else?

I was also confused in my school when my classmates called me a barber. It always feels like a puzzle till one day; I explore its several meanings based on context. 

In today’s guide, I will share what does Barber means in Biritish Slang and depending on the situation. 

What Does Barber Mean in British Slang?

Hairdresser:

It means a person whose job is to cut and trim people’s hair and beard. Most of the time, they are men, and their customers are males of any age. But in this era, there is no difference between men and women. Ladies also run their barber shops and deal with males and females as their customers. 

Nowadays, barbers are not limited to hair; they also provide facial care treatments. 

Compliment (street slang): 

It is also used as street slang in the UK, especially among youth. Teens used it metaphorically to praise someone extraordinarily skilled and sharp. In simple words, we can say that someone is top-tier and on point. 

Talkative: 

In ancient times, it was a derogatory term to describe a loud talk person. Someone who is bragging about himself//herself without any action. This meaning of barber has now declined in modern usage. 

Examples: 

As Hairdresser:

• You need to hit the barber to freshen up, man today is your reception. 
• Barbers do not book any appointment earlier than 10 days before Eid.
• The new barber in the town is very good with his cuts. 
• Mother took his baby to the barber shop for a nice haircut.  

As Compliment (street slang): 

Friend 1: Did you see how skillfully she shot in the shooting test?

Friends 2: yes, she is a dam barber.

Friend 1: Mosan is such a barber in karate.

Friends 2: I know because he has been taking training from his father since childhood. 

Friends 1: Does Abhira win the hacking competition? 

Friend 2: Yes, she is a barber because she hacked the original server while they set the goal for the Demy server. 

As Talkative: 

• All the motivational speakers are barbers because they only praise themselves on how they compete rather than give any practical solution. 
• We tried to get the approval for the new project, but the manager is barbing how lucky and skillful he is. 
• I do not want to go with him he is just barbing about himself all the paths. 
• Do not barber too much during the interview. 

Is Snipper a Slang Term for “Barber”?  

Yes, it is an informal slang for barber that is not commonly used. People use this colloquial term humorously when they want to refer to a barber in a light-hearted manner. 

It originates from snipping hair for a person whose profession is curling, coloring, and arranging the hair, especially of women. 

Origin or Etymology of British Slang Barber:

The British slang barber has Latin roots. It entered into the English language from the Old French word”barbour” or “Barbier,” which is also derived from the Latin word “barba,” which means beard. 

The main job of a barber is to trim and neaten the beard, but in ancient times, barbers also did surgeries and dentistry. Their places were the spots of gossip and daily talk, which is why they also had some derogatory meanings. 

How to Pronounce “Barber”? 

• b-AA-r-b-eh-r
• bahr-ber
• bar-ber
• bhar-burr 

UK: ba-ber 

US: ba-r-ber

Synonyms Used for the Slang Barber: 

Hairdresser:

• Braid, colorist, wigged, uncropped, dip dye, friseur, coiffeur, scalp, tonsorial, trichologist, beautician, haircutter, stylist, hairstylist, groomer, haircut specialist, shampooist, hair technician. 

Compliment (street slang)

• Ace, excellent, prime, top-notch, outstanding, first-rate, ace, superb, impressive, remarkable, exceptional, fantastic, elite, exquisite, brilliant, masterful, phenomenal.

Talkative:

• Windbag, gabber, bigmouth, chatterbox, blowhard, prattler, loquacious person, verbalizer, cackler, spouter, ranter, spewer, yapper, drone, verbose speaker, wanderer, blabbermouth. 

Closing Remarks: 

Concerning the evolution of the living standards of people, everything changes. The British slang barber also has several meanings in ancient and modern contexts.  

After exploring the article, we hope you understand the history and its current meaning, which early adults frequently use in daily conversations and social media.